Cantaloupe basil kombucha is fruity, fresh, and full of probiotics. It’s also high in Vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system. Making it at home with this recipe couldn't be easier.
This unique mix of flavors is something all brewers should try. The fresh cantaloupe juice is infused with basil, adding a hint of herbal flavor without overpowering the drink. Ensure you tear the leaves before infusing them so that more of their taste emerges.
Table of Contents
Cantaloupe Basil Kombucha Juice
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Description
Cantaloupe basil kombucha makes a great afternoon mocktail. The bright flavors, fizzy kombucha, and hydrating fruit will give you a slight energy boost and plenty of nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup of oolong tea kombucha
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cantaloupe (about 1/2 of a small cantaloupe)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed if possible
- 1 handful of ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash the cantaloupe. Slice in half and separate the fruit from the skin. Dice into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Tear the basil leaves into small pieces.
- Place the cantaloupe into a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
- Place a wire strainer over a bowl and line it with cheesecloth.
- Pour the cantaloupe puree into the strainer and work it through the strainer with a spatula. The juice should drain into the bowl. Gather the cheesecloth ends together and squeeze out the rest of the cantaloupe juice. Discard the cantaloupe pulp.
- Add the lemon juice and torn basil leaves to the cantaloupe juice. Let the juice steep for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Strain and discard the basil leaves (optional).
- Combine the kombucha and the cantaloupe juice and stir well.
- Add a small handful of ice to your serving glass. Pour the kombucha mixture over the ice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve.
Notes
Oolong tea is milder than black tea and will complement the cantaloupe. You can substitute white or green tea kombucha in this recipe. For something even more unique, use ginger kombucha as the base.
Try honeydew melon instead of cantaloupe for a sweeter finished kombucha.
Use this recipe as a second ferment. Divide the juice equally into glass bottles, add the kombucha, and let them ferment for two days at room temperature with the caps tightly secured. Refrigerate for 6 hours and enjoy.
Make it a cocktail- add a splash of tequila before serving.
Try different variations of this recipe by switching out the fruit and herbs. For example, grapefruit rosemary, strawberry basil, or watermelon mint kombucha with lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
What Does Cantaloupe Basil Kombucha Juice Taste Like?
Cantaloupe basil kombucha is light, fresh, sweet, fizzy, and floral. Oolong tea kombucha has a delicate flavor that doesn’t overpower the cantaloupe. The basil leaves infuse earthiness, and the lime adds a tart zest that pairs beautifully with the cantaloupe. This flavor combo is perfect for an afternoon treat or your next celebration.
What Are the Health Benefits of Cantaloupe Basil Kombucha Juice?
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweet tea and a SCOBY. As the SCOBY ferments the tea, it creates beneficial digestive enzymes and probiotics. It’s great for your gut and your digestive system. Kombucha is also high in Vitamins B and C, which help support your mood and your immune system.
Cantaloupe is high in water, making it good for hydration. It’s also:
- High in Vitamin C
- Fat-free
- Cholesterol free
- A good source of fiber
- Packed with Vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes, skin, and bones healthy
Basil is packed with antioxidants and has anti-bacterial properties. This means it helps keep your skin healthy and helps support your body. It’s also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, manganese, and calcium.
Lime juice is a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Limes can help support your immune system and increase the absorption of iron. They also help support healthy skin.
How to Choose a Cantaloupe
Choosing a ripe cantaloupe can be challenging. Cantaloupes are often picked before they are ripe and ripen on the way to their destination.
As you choose a cantaloupe for this recipe, keep these three things in mind:
- Choose a cantaloupe that is heavy for its size. This indicates the fruit inside is mature and ripe.
- Tap the skin—the melon should sound hollow or dull.
- Gently push the stem end of the cantaloupe. It should give slightly. If it’s squishy, that cantaloupe is over-ripe.
How Much Caffeine Is In Cantaloupe Basil Kombucha Juice?
It’s difficult to calculate the exact amount of caffeine in homemade kombucha. On average, cantaloupe basil kombucha has 10 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving.
Oolong tea has slightly less caffeine than black tea but more caffeine than green tea. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you might prefer to brew kombucha with white or green tea. These kombucha teas yield around 5 mg of caffeine per serving.
How Many Calories Are In Cantaloupe Basil Kombucha Juice?
Cantaloupe basil kombucha has around 75 calories per 8 oz serving. Again, it isn’t easy to calculate the exact calories since each batch of homebrew is different. Plain kombucha itself averages 30 calories per 8 oz serving.
Should You Make This Recipe with Young, Sweet Kombucha or Older, Sour Kombucha?
This recipe works well with either young, sweet kombucha or older kombucha.
If you make it with sweet kombucha, your cantaloupe basil kombucha will be extra sweet without much fizz.
Using older kombucha, your finished drink will resemble sparkling water since it will have more carbonation. The sweetness of the cantaloupe helps balance the sourness of your older kombucha.
Experiment and find your favorite kombucha flavor!